Video game addiction: why the mental disorder, now recognized by the WHO, is on the rise.
Summer holidays identified as addiction danger spot as youngsters spend unstructured time online. The Cabin in Chiang Mai offers a rehab program for young male addicts but, at US$15,000 a month, it’s out of reach for many
"Parents have to take this seriously. They have to understand why gaming can be so addictive, why their children are so drawn to gaming. They need to set firm boundaries, time restrictions."
Cam Adair, former online gaming addict, founder Game Quitters
"If it was just an Asian problem, the WHO wouldn’t be looking at it, but I think the prevalence could be slightly higher on our side of the world."
Dr. Elda Chan, director at St John’s Cathedral Counselling Service
"A 2017 survey by Hong Kong University, based on a poll of more than 2,000 Primary Four to Six students at eight schools across the territory, estimated that one in 10 respondents “were at risk or might have been addicted” to video games. The survey also found that boys, averaging 11 hours a week, played more than twice as much as girls, and that they also tended to play more violent games."
For more information about digital media addictions: www.realbattle.org
Get Dr. Andrew & Julie Doan's new workbook, "Digital Vortex Survival Guide": https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Vortex-Survival-Guide-Behaviors/dp/1935576054/?tag=medrounpublic-20
Read Dr. Andrew Doan's book, "Hooked on Games" (4.5☆ with 72 reviews): https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-Games-Video-Internet-Addiction/dp/193557602X/?tag=medrounpublic-20
Seeking additional parental coaching? Contact Julie Lavier Doan @ Doan Life Coaching: http://www.doanlifecoaching.com/
NOTE: The views expressed on this website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the United States Government.